the phone without validating the caller . You can do this by visiting their website and calling back at a validated phone number before continuing the conversation .
She suggests only carrying bank cards that you need or use on a regular basis and be sure to sign your cards immediately after receiving them . Don ’ t write down your personal identification numbers ( PINs ) and don ’ t carry sensitive personal information with you , such as your SIN or your birth certificate .
Old-fashioned mail theft and dumpster diving are also used to steal personal information , so be sure to shred personal documents before throwing them out . If a card arrives in the mail that you didn ’ t apply for , contact the issuing company immediately .
Many businesses , including your employer , rental company , bank , and creditors , are in possession of valuable personal data . As a rule , your information is safe with them , but security breaches can cause it to fall into the wrong hands .
Equifax , one of Canada ’ s two credit reporting agencies , was hacked in 2017 and at least 100,000
Canadians had their personal information stolen . Other companies have experienced similar breaches , including Lifelabs , Desjardins Group , and Capital One . Firms that have had this sort of breach will usually notify their customers and offer assistance .
If you believe that you ’ ve been the victim of identity theft , immediately inform the police and cancel any lost or stolen documents . Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to let them know your personal information has been compromised .
Most importantly , get in touch with Equifax and TransUnion and request a credit statement . These are the two companies in Canada that track your credit and will have information on any new credit cards , mortgages , or car loans in your name . You ’ ll want to make sure they have the correct address on file for you , as the fraudsters may have had it changed .
Both TransUnion and Equifax will provide a free credit report to consumers on request . This can be done online or by phone or mail ; visit their websites for more information . They also offer paid products such as your credit score or ongoing credit monitoring .
Aisha says that it ’ s important to check your credit report regularly or set up a credit alert service that will notify you if any activity or changes have been made to your credit report .
After my experience with identity fraud , I ’ ve kept close tabs on my personal information and taken extra measures to protect myself . Staying on top of your credit is the best way to assure that your identity is secure . The first sign that you ’ ve been a victim of identity theft may be too late .
Jane Thrall is retired and happily enjoying her fraud-protected life . She spends her spare time golfing , hiking , and reviewing her bank statements . news & views SPRING 2021 | 47